The 23-time major winner shared a statement to social media on Tuesday in which she vowed to continue fighting “for what’s right” in the face of ongoing prejudice.

“It disappoints me to know we live in a society where people like Ilie Nastase can make such racist comments towards myself and [my] unborn child,” the 35-year-old wrote.

Ilie Nastase and Serena Williams. Images: Getty.

"I have said it once and I'll say it again, this world has come so far but yet we have so much further to go. Yes, we have broken down so many barriers — however there are a plethora more to go".

Williams was responding to comments made by the former French and US Open champion during a Fed Cup press conference in London on Friday in which he speculated about the colour of her child's skin.

After referring to Williams' recently announced pregnancy to partner and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, the 70-year-old was heard saying in Romanian, “Let’s see what colour it has. Chocolate with milk?”